Here are some common sense rules from the Oakland County Sheriff’s Office that motorists should follow under various conditions.
Note: You must rely on your own judgment and assessment of the situation to determine the best course of action.
Should your vehicle break down in an isolated area there are certain steps you should follow, particularly at night: pull your vehicle off the road so you will be out of the traffic, turn on the emergency (four-way) flashers, raise the hood of the vehicle if you can, if you have a bright-colored cloth (scarf, handkerchief, etc), tie it to your radio aerial, stay in your car with all doors locked and windows rolled up, and wait for help to come to you — a patrolling police car or another motorist.
Should a passing motorist stop, stay in your car and ask him/her to send help back to you. If the motorist has his/her family in the car and offers you a ride to the nearest garage or town, only you can decide what is best under the circumstances.